Purpose. This assignment asks you to draw on one or more of the Weber readings a

Purpose. This assignment asks you to draw on one or more of the Weber readings and the chapter from Expressing America(pg 133 to 151 only) to apply Weber’s rationalization thesis to the U.S. and to think critically about its implications.
Assignment. Write an essay in which you answer the first question in each of the following prompts (using the rest of the prompt for guidance):
1. What is rationalization or “McDonaldization,” according to Weber and Ritzer? Very briefly summarize their perspective, with some references to relevant texts. 

2. Is the U.S. becoming rationalized or “McDonaldized” in the way Ritzer describes? As part of your answer, show how rationalization has proceeded by giving an example other than fast food restaurants (in business, education, health care, politics, entertainment, popular culture, religion, law, etc.) that illustrates the trend. 

3.What are the costs and benefits of McDonaldization? Weber argued that there were advantages to rationalization but also worried that it might produce a “grinding mechanism” or an “iron cage” of constraints. He was concerned that rationalized institutions might become a goal in themselves and lose track of their original purpose that there was something irrational about rational institutions. Ritzer’s assessment is also quite negative. But might the benefits nonetheless outweigh the costs? For the purpose of stimulating debate, and using your example, take a definite position on this issue.
4. What is the future of rationalization? Weber expected rationalization to proceed pretty relentlessly—will it? Partly relying on what you wrote in 2. and 3., explain whether you think rationalization is sustainable, and why. For example, do postmodern societies require nimble institutions that adapt more quickly than McDonaldization allows, and is McDonaldization in some ways outdated? Or are we likely to need or keep rationalized institutions well into the future, though perhaps in new forms? Might the “iron cage” open up, or fall apart, or simply lose occupants? Do you foresee increased resistance to rationalization? Reflect on these and related issues, as you see fit, to answer the main question.